Professional Development Interview
A professional development interview is a dedicated conversation between an employee and their manager or HR about the person's skills, career aspirations, training needs and future roles, separate from the assessment of their performance.
Definition
A professional development interview focuses on the future of the person within and beyond their current role. The conversation covers the skills they use and want to develop, the training that would help, their aspirations in the next few years, and the options the organisation can realistically offer, such as a new project, a mentor, a mobility or a course.
In some countries, including France, such an interview is a legal obligation for employers at regular intervals, and it is distinct from the annual performance review, so check the rules that apply in your country. In practice, it is best prepared by the employee, who thinks about their wishes beforehand, and by the manager, who reviews the person's work and the organisation's needs. A written summary and agreed actions close the interview.
This interview matters because people who see a future stay longer and develop skills the organisation needs. The pitfalls are mixing it with performance evaluation, which makes people cautious about what they say, promising what cannot be delivered, and writing a plan that is never followed. Honesty about what is possible is better than enthusiasm that creates disappointment.
Key points
- It focuses on skills, training and career aspirations, not on rating performance.
- In some countries, such as France, employers must hold it at regular intervals: check the rules that apply to you.
- Both sides prepare: the employee reflects on wishes, the manager on needs and options.
- Close with a written summary and concrete actions, such as training, projects or mentoring.
- Be honest about what the organisation can offer to avoid broken promises.
Example
A logistics coordinator tells her manager in a development interview that she would like to move toward planning in two years. The manager explains which skills she needs, proposes a training course and a project alongside the planning team, and notes both in the summary. At the next conversation, they check what has been done and adjust the plan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a professional development interview and a performance review?
A performance review looks back at results and behaviours over a period. A professional development interview looks forward to skills, training and career wishes. Many organisations keep them separate so that people can speak openly about their ambitions.
Is a professional development interview mandatory?
It depends on the country. In France it is a legal obligation for employers at regular intervals, while elsewhere it is a good practice. Check the rules in your country and in your collective agreement.
What should be discussed in a professional development interview?
Current skills, strengths, aspirations, training needs, possible next roles, and the support the person expects from the organisation. A ready-to-use professional development interview template gives you the questions in a natural order.
Related terms
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